CSE Career Captain, Andrew Mukurazita, MBA/MSBA’25, details his experience traveling to the 2023 National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Conference and Career Expo in Philadelphia, PA last month (September 2023), alongside two fellow International Business School Students. He also shares their advice for future attendees of conferences like NBMBAA.
From melodies to opportunities! Navigating the 2023 NBMBAA Conference
From September 12-16, 2023, Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, was an inspiring place to be. Why? The 2023 National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Conference and Career Expo roared into life. It was no ordinary event; it’s touted as the nation’s largest diversity career fair. Established in 1970, this association has been the torchbearer for black business dynamism. With 40 professional chapters across the U.S. and a global membership of 12,000, the National Black MBA Association showcases its significant influence and reach.
This September, buoyed by anticipation, I, alongside two of my astute colleagues, Djounia Saint-Fleurant, MBA’24, and Sunday Oworah, MSBA’24’, dove into a four-day journey.
The experience was a mix of laughter, deep insights, and empowerment. As we navigated the vast corridors, we were surrounded by a sea of professionals, totaling over 10,000 attendees. Major corporations, more than 300 to be exact, each with its unique aura, stood searching for exceptional human talent, signifying the magnitude of the event.
Imagine a room filled with ambition, hope, and dynamic energy – it was pure electric.
The conference exceeded my expectations, especially with unforgettable highlights like the NBMBAA-sponsored Boyz II Men performance. Their melodies resonated deeply, reflecting the unity and ambition of everyone present. I must admit, hearing them belt out some of their old time hits brought back the nostalgia of my youth.
Despite the musical highlights, speaker sessions, and networking events, the real core of the conference was the NBMBAA Career Expo. It was a lively spot where spontaneous chats could lead to connections and job interviews, turning dreams into real opportunities. We experienced tremendous growth and enlightenment at the Expo, gaining invaluable insights that are now reshaping our professional paths.
Upon our return, the CSE asked my fellow attendees and I to share advice for students attending similar conferences, and we were more than happy to.
Here are our main takeaways from the event:
From Djounia Saint-Fleurant, MBA’24
Prepare: Before you even fly to the conference, do your homework. Identify the companies you’re interested in and research their job opportunities in advance. This will help you make the most of your time at the event.
Arrive Early: Arriving early can give you a head start in networking. High-traffic booths at conferences can get crowded quickly, so being among the first to approach can make a difference.
Explore: Don’t just stay around the biggest and most well-known companies. Sometimes, smaller or less crowded booths are more receptive to conversations and interviews. Keep an eye out for these opportunities.
Remember that networking opportunities are not limited to the career fair floor. Be open to start conversations in various other settings, such as the hotel lobby, during sessions, on the streets, and at after-parties. Some of your best connections and insights may come from those unexpected encounters.
LinkedIn Stalking (in a Good Way): When you spot someone whose work aligns with your interests, take a moment to check their name on their badge and look them up on LinkedIn. This proactive approach can help you strike up meaningful conversations and leave a lasting impression.
From Sunday Oworah, MSBA’24
While it might be confusing for most business students, especially those with no prior industry experience, one thing is very important. Identify your specialty based on your strength and work on that. Attend events to learn about the field and the trends. Network with professionals in the field and nurture the connection. That way you will gradually identify where you truly want to be.
And from me (Andrew Mukurazita, MBA/MSBA’25)
Before the fair: You should proactively prepare for the career fair and expo by researching companies of interest, and understanding their values and offerings. Prior to the event, it’s beneficial to connect with recruiters on platforms like LinkedIn, introducing themselves and expressing their intent to engage at the expo. The aim should be to secure interview slots before going to the career fairs.
At the fair: Make a strategic plan for booth visits, prioritizing key companies while remaining open to new opportunities. To stand out and facilitate easy sharing of credentials, you should have a QR code ready, linking to your updated online resume or LinkedIn profile.
This holistic preparation ensures not only potential job opportunities but also meaningful industry connections.
Finally, venturing to career fairs like NBMBAA not only broadens horizons for business students but also amplifies networking opportunities beyond campus. Get out there, absorb, and supercharge your career potential. Maybe I’ll see you there next year!
